You can’t go wrong with a tropical island vacation in Southeast Asia or Africa. A few nights amidst the waves of the Indian Ocean in Madagascar or basking on the golden shores of Boracay in the Philippines? Now, that’s what I’m talking about!
Africa’s islands tend to be pricier, with big names like Mauritius being hotspots for honeymooners, but there’s still value to be found if you look hard enough. Southeast Asia, on the other hand, will be friendlier to your wallet, like some of the budget Caribbean destinations, especially in places like Lombok in Indonesia.
Prepped for palm trees and fresh ocean breezes? Use this guide to help you choose your next tropical island getaway in Southeast Asia or Africa.
Best Islands in Southeast Asia
Chill Under the Philippine Sun in Boracay, the Philippines
Say “Philippines” among your travel buddies, and Boracay’s name is sure to follow. This tiny island lies around 315 km south of Manila, off the northwest tip of Panay, and believe me, it’s the real deal.
In recent years, Boracay has become one of the Philippines’ most popular islands. However, due to its size, it’s starting to suffer from over-tourism; I suppose that happens when you become a victim of your own success. To try to combat the influx of visitors, the local government has placed a cap on the number of visitors allowed to the island. So, unlike other places in Southeast Asia where you can just show up and plan everything when you arrive, you’ll have to book things in advance.
White Beach gets all the love for its golden sand and lush palm trees, and the swimming here is pretty good, as there’s not much of a current. A walk out to Willy’s Rock, a volcanic rock formation, is a must for all visitors; just don’t forget your flip-flops, as the ground can be harsh. If you’re looking for somewhere to watch the sunset, Mount Luho is the highest point on the island and provides killer views for golden hour (entry fee: around PHP 120 (€1.97)). The walk isn’t too intense either; it’s roughly 100 meters high, but given the Philippine humidity, take some water just in case.
Boracay can be easily accessed from Panay Island, which has two airports, but you can’t fly directly to the island itself. Instead, you’ll have to take a quick 15-minute ferry from Caticlan. In my experience, it’s better to fly into Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, as it’s closer, and the tricycle from there to the port is only around PHP 150 (€2.47) if you’re on your own or PHP 50 (€0.82) per person for groups. Try to take the pump boat instead of the ferry, as it’s quite cheap; it costs about PHP 25 (€0.41) during the day and PHP 30 (€0.49) at night.
See Why People Are Ditching Bali for Lombok, Indonesia
Gone are the days when people used to holiday in Bali; now, people are heading to Lombok instead. But what sets the two apart? Lombok has a raw feeling to it; there’s little commercialization, the vibe is more local, and things move at a slower pace without the traffic and chaos that come with Bali.
Lombok’s beaches are the kind of perfect that goes beyond words. Whether it’s Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak, or Mawun Beach, you’ll be spoiled for choice when deciding which one to explore next. There are a fair few volcanoes on Lombok, too, especially the 3,726-meter-high Mount Rinjani, the second-highest in Indonesia. The trek up to the top is insane but not an easy one; it’s best experienced on a 3-day, 2-night expedition where you have to camp overnight with a local provider. While the park entry fee only costs IDR 150,000 per day, the provider fees vary depending on who you go with.
The nearby Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air) are also stunning for a little day trip; you can do some incredible snorkeling around them. And if you like to party, Gili Trawangan won’t disappoint.
Lombok has its own airport with direct connections from Bali, as well as some international cities like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The flight from Bali is only 30 minutes. Or, if you want to do things the adventurous way, you can take a 2- to 3-hour speedboat ride (prices start from IDR 212,827 (€12.57)). But be warned, I’ve done this myself, and if it’s windy, it’s a seriously bumpy ride.
Make Your Way to the Pristine Beaches of Koh Chang Before It’s Too Late, Thailand
One Thai island that hasn’t gotten nearly as much attention as others in the past is Koh Chang, but that’s slowly changing. People are catching on to this little secret in the Gulf of Thailand; it has remained relatively under the radar. But with the rise of social media, more people are swapping trips to places like Koh Samui or Phuket for this gem instead.
Koh Chang is actually the third-largest island in Thailand, and it’s got everything you could ever want. There are beaches galore; White Sand Beach sees the most visitors, Klong Prao Beach stretches the furthest, and Lonely Beach, once a backpacker hub, has now taken a more luxurious route. For those who love waterfalls, a dip in Klong Plu Waterfall (THB 200 (€5.69) entry) will surely satisfy your cravings. And for a bit of action out at sea, you can hire kayaks in virtually all corners of the island from any of the resorts, costing around THB 300 (€8.53) for half a day. Salak Khok Bay is a peaceful place to set off from.
Currently, you cannot fly directly to Koh Chang, but the island is very close to the mainland. The most straightforward route is to fly into Trat Airport from Bangkok and then hop on the ferry from Ao Thammachat Pier, which departs every 45 minutes between 6:30 am and 7:00 pm and costs THB 80 (€2.27). It will only take you half an hour to travel by ferry.
Africa’s Finest Islands You Need to See
Plan a Trip to Mauritius for Less Than You Ever Imagined
A high price tag is often slapped on Mauritius because it’s seen as a magnet for newlyweds, but the average traveler like yourself can still visit for a relatively low price. Get out of Port Louis as quickly as you flew in and go to the southwest coast, where you can base yourself in La Gaulette. It’s cheaper than some of the fancier areas and is a good location for seeing all the island’s main highlights.
Black River Gorges National Park is close to La Gaulette. It’s a 50+ km protected forest area brimming with flora and fauna; keep an eye out for the pink pigeon, a distinctive species found here. The over 700-meter-high Alexandra Falls is also located deep within the park and well worth pacing around the grounds trying to locate; nothing a good map can’t help you find.
Staying in La Gaulette will also allow you to easily visit Le Morne Brabant Mountain, a dramatic 556-meter-high peak leading to the ocean. Those who prefer to take it easy can enjoy the view from afar, or, if you bring your walking shoes, you can do the 3- to 4-hour hike on your own. A guide isn’t necessary unless you’re uncomfortable going solo.
You’ll have your pick of beaches in the southern part of Mauritius. Le Morne Beach is close to La Gaulette; in fact, you can stop off there after hiking Le Morne Brabant Mountain. Some other great options are Bel Ombre Beach and Gris Gris Beach. Don’t forget to head north to see Mont Choisy Beach, Trou aux Biches Beach, and many more.
The only real way to get to Mauritius is by flight, as it’s right in the thick of the Indian Ocean. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport serves the island, and you can fly in directly from a number of hubs such as Dubai, Istanbul, and London.
Head for the Wild, Unspoiled Shores of Madagascar
Unbelievable beauty, a five-star coastline with barely any tourists, and an insanely tricky place to travel around; if you’re seeking an island where adventure meets allure, look no further than Madagascar.
Similar to Mauritius, Madagascar sits in the Indian Ocean and offers those willing to take on the long journey an unmatched escape. While the tourism infrastructure here isn’t quite as developed as other African islands, this deters many travelers, leaving you with dreamy shores such as Manafiafy and Nosy Iranja all to yourself.
So, other than beaches, what else is there to do in Madagascar? Antananarivo might be the capital, but it has a distinct charm; for me, it’s the way the buildings are stacked up along the hilltops. Another must-see attraction for visitors is the Avenue of the Baobabs. This vast collection of towering baobab trees dominates the skies of a protected area in the western part of the island and is a favorite among photographers. Many tour groups come to see them at sunset, but it’s better to visit at sunrise when there are far fewer crowds since not many are willing to make an effort to get up early in the morning.
For many travelers, the main event of their Madagascar trip is Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park (entry fees MGA 55.000 (€11.24). Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990, the park is renowned for its unique elevated karst plateau rock formations, known as Tsingys. It’s an awesome hiking spot, but only for the brave and bold, as many routes require a harness for access, a true adventure.
Flights to Madagascar are few and far between, with only a handful of African cities offering direct connections. However, if you’re traveling from Europe, Air France provides a direct service from Paris, so be sure to check it out.
Refresh Your Soul and Unwind in São Tomé and Príncipe
Split into two islands, the archipelago of São Tomé and Príncipe is located right on the equator in the Gulf of Guinea. If you asked the average person to point it out on a map, they likely wouldn’t have a clue where it is; not only is it small, but it’s also not a typical holiday destination. However, once you see photos of this place, you’ll be shocked that it’s not teeming with tourists.
Raw and wild, brimming with dense jungles and spellbinding beaches, the pace of life in São Tomé and Príncipe takes a back seat. São Tomé itself is the largest island and has a lot of character, especially in its capital. While São Tomé is minuscule compared to other African capitals, it’s a cool place to walk around, particularly if you’re interested in learning about the country’s colonial history. Museu Nacional does an excellent job of explaining this (entry fee around STD 49.29 (€2)).
As you head further south on the island, the vibe changes as you’re fully exposed to the gift Mother Nature gave São Tomé: unspoiled natural charm. This is the part of the country where you can spot Cão Grande, an iconic rock formation made of magma from an old volcano, standing 663 meters high.
No one has truly visited São Tomé and Príncipe unless they’ve been to Príncipe as well. Even smaller than São Tomé, Príncipe has the best beaches of the two, in my opinion. From Praia Banana, which was once featured in a Bacardi ad, to the irresistible allure of Praia Boi, expect plenty of sunshine wherever you go; you’re right on the equator, after all.
You’d think for a remote African island, getting to São Tomé and Príncipe would be tricky, but it’s not all bad news. You can fly to São Tomé directly from Lisbon. However, to reach Príncipe, you’ll need to take a connecting flight from São Tomé, as it’s the only airport connected to the island.
Southeast Asia or Africa: Which One Is Winning You Over?
Island getaways are always a winner, but they’re even more tempting when they’re in Asia or Africa. Though these regions are worlds apart in many ways, they share one thing in common: jaw-droppingly beautiful islands. Which one will you visit?